This Gilded Age mansion was finished in 1893 by Edgerton Stewart Rogers for Major James Dooley and his wife Sallie. It overlooks the James River, and sits on what used to be 100 acres of farmland. The Dooley’s were the only people to inhabit the estate, and did so for 32 years until Mrs. Dooley’s death in 1925. After her death, the house, carriage house, and lands went to the city and were opened to the public that same year. The Maymont Foundation became responsible for the park in 1975 and maintains it’s authenticity as much as possible. The house is open for tours Tuesdays through Sundays until 4:30pm.

What do you call this? Is it graffiti? Is it pure art? Does graffiti count as art? Well, I imagine that depends on what type of graffiti you’re talking about. One thing is clear though: there is at least some graffiti in this photo. Look at the upper left. You’ll see that someone got on a ladder and spray-painted PJ hearts M. That’s really too bad. This is one of the finest paintings of Lady Di, killed in the summer of 1997, that has ever found itself on the back of a building. Some people visit downtown Richmond for the sole purpose of gazing at this beauty.

According to the photographer, this shot of the John Marshall Hotel was taken from the top of the Media General building. It’s not too far from a couple of Richmond personal injury law firm buildings. You’ll notice the unique shadow that this building casts on the inner portion of itself. You can only see this type of shadow if you capture the building at a specific time of day and from a very precise angle.

Here a stupendous view of a skylight from Old City Hall, deep in the heart of Richmond. If you were born before 1940, this view really brings back memories. Kind of makes you want to stand up and hum, “Baby it’s cold outside.”